7 people with developmental disabilities hurt in Sussex County bus crash

Seven people with developmental disabilities suffered minor injuries this morning when their bus crashed into a retaining wall in Sussex County, police said.

The accident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. when the driver, April Hackney, 21, lost control of the bus while making a left turn on Old Creamery Road in Andover Township, police said. The vehicle rode along the wall before returning to the roadway, according to police.

Hackney, of Franklin, was charged with careless driving after the accident.

The victims all complained of pain after the accident, but police said all of the injuries appeared to be minor.

The Andover Township Fire Department and several ambulances from Lakeland Emergency Medical Services and the Allamuchy Green Fire Aid Squad responded to the scene.

Police said the collision nearly tore the rear axle off the bus, which is owned by SCARC, formerly known as Sussex County Association for Retarded Citizens.

Hackney and another SCARC employee were not injured in the crash, police said.